A Case of Mycobacterium Abscessus Spondylitis / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

The designation nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) applies to mycobacterial species other than organisms of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium leprae. In recent decades, the prevalence of human disease caused by NTM has increased; thus, the clinical significance of NTM is increasing. Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterial species that is usually associated with chronic pulmonary disease, posttraumatic soft-tissue infections, nosocomial bloodstream infections, wound infections, and abscesses at the site of prior intramuscular injections; however, vertebral osteomyelitis due to this species is rare. Here, we present a case of vertebral osteomyelitis due to M. abscessus that occurred in a patient with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome and a history of acupuncture who was treated with wide surgical excision and prolonged combined antibiotic treatment.